LEICESTER turn their attentions back to the KO Cup this week for a big semi-final clash with holders Sheffield starting at home on Monday (7.30pm).
The Watling JCB Lions overcame Birmingham in the previous round back in March to set up this tie with the Tigers, who lifted the silverware at the expense of Ipswich last autumn.
Lions themselves are through to the last four of the competition for the first time since they stepped up to Premiership level in 2023.
And the job now is to look to build a first leg advantage on their own circuit, with the trip to Owlerton in the second leg coming up on Thursday.
Lions also go into the meeting looking to bounce back from last week’s shock home defeat to Birmingham in the league, which did come as a setback following a superb away victory at Ipswich just days earlier.
Meanwhile Sheffield visit the Hydroscand Arena, Beaumont Park in good spirits after success on the road in their last two league matches.
The Tigers won at King’s Lynn having been inspired by a bumper points haul from Lewis Kerr at reserve, and they then came from ten points down to win a Super Heat after a 45-45 draw at Oxford.
Sheffield are once again led by GP star Jack Holder and former World Champion Chris Holder, with captain Josh Pickering often providing the thrills.
Kerr and ex-Lions rider Justin Sedgmen were early-season signings following the serious injury to Tai Woffinden, and those two riders switch places under the new June averages with Kerr moving into the top five and Sedgmen dropping to reserve.
The Lions’ own septet is unchanged and unaffected by new averages, and following a painful fall against Birmingham last week reserve Drew Kemp was back in action in a guest appearance for Glasgow at Edinburgh on Friday.
Manager Stewart Dickson said: “Facing Sheffield home and away in the Cup was always going to be tough enough without any need for a wake-up call, but that could be the case after last week.
“We don’t ever take anyone for granted and I don’t think that was the case against Birmingham, and we now need to make sure we bounce back.
“We have to draw a line under last Monday and move on. We are still a good team and we would love to reach the Cup Final, but we know we are going to need everyone doing their jobs because Sheffield are a very strong side.”
Supporters are reminded that season tickets are not valid tonight as this is a KO Cup fixture; additionally there will be no live stream due to live TV coverage taking place of the meeting at Birmingham.
LEICESTER: Max Fricke, Luke Becker, Ryan Douglas, Kyle Howarth, Sam Masters, Drew Kemp, Joe Thompson.
SHEFFIELD: Jack Holder, Anders Rowe, Josh Pickering, Lewis Kerr, Chris Holder, Justin Sedgmen, Leon Flint.
